History of Saltcote Place starts when the young Captain and Mrs Edith Hennessy took over the newly built property as their Wedding present, for many young couples a toaster is far more likely.
Designed by the influential architect Sir Reginald Blomfield in the Queen Anne style. The French side of this famous family funded the development for Captain AAR Hennessy and his young bride.
The house was completed in 1905 having taken over two years to build and came with 18.5 acres of grounds. The yield from the fruit and vegetables was enough to run the house and pay for the staff who lived on the estate. Between 1922 and 2003 various parties stripped the income and property assets from the estate notably the former Sussex County Council being responsible for profiteering.
It took us over 4 years to restore the house to its former glory after purchasing in 2003, with extensive re-wiring and replumbing and of course a new roof.
Saltcote Place enjoyed a varied past but now as a private home demonstrates how these larger properties can offer a series of intimate family spaces, in addition to diverse usage whilst maintaining a homely feel.
Above the portico leading into the vestibule we have the Royal Cypher of the late Queen Mother, perhaps in recognition of happy times spent here with the Hennessy family between the Wars.
Because of the heritage, we named the suite on the first floor “The Hennessy suite” which is occasionally available as part of family celebrations.
The Hennessy suite is ideal for a family gatherings for example a mature gathering to celebrate the lives of Parents and Grand Parents.
The suite is not available to book online and is available on a discretionary basis.
When visiting Rye there are a great deal of things to do in Rye for all ages and levels of energy.
We are happy to discuss your ideas of what to see and do, places to eat and even bespoke vineyard tours can all be arranged.
The Hennessy suite is our premium suite and now available to book online, it offers unequalled comfort for mature Guests. It is ideal for hosting exclusive use family functions.
With exclusive we are happy to have children here as long as it works for everyone and the children are known to everyone, breakfasts will still be after 9am 😉
Used as a Military headquarters in WW2, a nursing home and three times as a School the first being in 1922.
Saltcote returned to private ownership in 2003 for the first time since 1922.
Now fully restored, some areas of Saltcote Place are available to be enjoyed by our Guests who we hope will enjoy our home as part of their visit to Rye.
Captain Hennessy referred to Saltcote in correspondence as his “white elephant” not because he disliked the house but due to the fact he had other homes in Norfolk and Eaton Square London.
One reputable company offering property for sale in Eaton Square have an interesting page of property for sale in Belgravia have a look at the prices and know a small flat there would buy two of Saltcote Place – ha ha we’re not about to buy a flat there 😉
In later years his life revolved more around London, the main residence being in Eaton Square.
Saltcote Place was sold at auction in July 1939 at the George Hotel, the entire 18 plus acre Estate made £8,000, it was sold off in many parts – the fields to the north west becoming Mill Place Estate now known as Mill Road.
We have the 1922 sales particulars which set a high standard for property descriptions describing how Saltcote benefitted from three radiators and a company telephone. Oh how times have changed.
Saltcote affords splendid views from the garden; the secure location lets you relax and with plenty of free parking and only 8 to 10 minutes walk to the town center.
Over the years many former school girls return for significant wedding anniversaries. If you have images from the time when Saltcote Place was a Girls school we would enjoy seeing them and perhaps including them here https://saltcote.co.uk/saltcote-girls-rosa/
Hosting private functions remains an enjoyable part of our year, our catering team will prepare your selected menu and wines, we do not have “packages” so every event here is unique.
Outstanding views ranging from Dover to Fairlight over Romney marsh toward Camber sands and the English channel. The harbour is clearly visible and of course panoramic views of Rye Bay. From the penthouse looking at the horizon you have uninterrupted panoramic views of at least 50 miles of land and sea views.
As a sought after Sussex wedding venue we specialise in the smaller intimate receptions from 12 up to 130. We never mix Weddings with Guests so if you see a Wedding here you will certainly have been invited to attend as their Guest.
We never mix Weddings with non-wedding Guests.
Our Rye Bed and Breakfast or Rye B&B is probably one of the best places to stay in Rye. We had two coveted 5 star Gold awards giving one up when we decided we no longer wanted to offer traditional “Self Catering”.
We have retained our 5 star gold award for Guest accommodation every year since 2008 and have been first in England and 3rd in the World on TripAdvisor.
On April the 20th 2017 at 4pm our lives changed with the fire that was to impact us heavily for the next 18 months.
Our renovations are now complete and Saltcote Place enjoys low operating costs as a smart home with features a new build would envy whilst retaining the charm pursuant to it’s heritage.
We look forward to sharing the house with you, we have retained the classical feel and have new features such as the French doors that now lead from the main lounge onto the formal rear lawns.
Heating installed in 1968 to 1970
Saltcote Place was a cold house before this, installing the new one pipe system in 1968 enabled the Thomas Peacocke Girls School to open which ran from 1970 to 1977 – To navigate use your left and right arrow or slide on a touch screen.
These are some of our recent Reviews
Mike P25/09/2025Verified An absolutely delightful place to stay Our stay at Saltclose Place in Rye was an absolute delight. We were welcomed by Paul and Alan who were so helpful and attentive without being intrusive. The breakfasts were superb. We had some very interesting conversations with Paul, Alan and other guests around the breakfast table. The fizz to accompany the breakfasts was a big treat as were the personal-choice nightcaps. The house and gardens are amazing and the accommodation within the suite we occupied was just perfect, comfortable and quiet. We really appreciated Paul and Alan’s advice on places to visit and restaurants to dine in during the evenings. There is so much of interest to see in Rye and the surrounding area including the charming, cobbled streets and the fish market in the town. We could have gladly spent more than five days at Saltclose Place. paul15/09/2025Verified Hospitality at Its Finest – A Rye Stay to Remember! From the moment we arrived at Salcote Place, we felt completely at home. Paul and Alan are the perfect hosts – warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. Their hospitality is second to none; nothing was ever too much trouble. The house itself is stunning – full of character, beautifully maintained, and with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. Breakfasts were a real highlight: freshly prepared, delicious, and every bit as good (if not better) than what you’d expect from a top 5-star hotel. The location couldn’t be better. Just a short walk takes you right into the heart of Rye, with its charming shops, cobbled streets, and history. Excellent public transport links meant we were also able to easily explore further afield – Hastings and Battle were both just a short trip away. Salcote Place is more than just a place to stay – it’s an experience. We left feeling refreshed, spoiled, and already planning our return. If you’re visiting Rye, don’t even think twice – book here. BernNeston02/09/2025Verified One of our best three stays in forty four years. It's difficult to add more than the earlier comments express....it is an amazing experience staying at Saltcote Place. I think the boys, Paul and Alan have drawn on their huge experience to deliver a stay like no other. You are at most one of three room guests, out of a period Queen Anne residence with forty two rooms. From the moment you arrive you are treated as their most important guest; they preempt everything that contributes to you having the best experience of your travelling/exploring life. Greeting: we had an enthusiastic tour of their Queen Anne residence and a drink to welcome us to their home...stunning. The room: Super comfortable with tasteful furnishings, fresh fruit and a supply of morning drinks. Breakfast: Set in a period designed kitchen with classical features. The menu and table would have graced the Ritz. Each day we enjoyed bubbles to start the 'event'....this was a social occasion and a chance to mix with other guests. I defy anybody to suggest anything not on their hot/cold menu. It was like flying Premium Class. Touches: Somebody once said "You remember the steak (fillet) after you've forgotten the flight"; this is the essence of Saltcote....the decanters of whisky and brandy waiting outside your room in the evening...the touches at breakfast....the enthusiastic insights, suggestions, recommendations and phonecalls that make your stay special. I suppose their previous guest list endorses everything described above, but that conversation awaits you should you decide on staying. If you're looking for bowing and scraping, spas, bling, helipads and butlers standing motionless in the corners of your room...you won't get it, and this isn't for you. Many thanks to Paul and Alan for one of those experiences that remind you that selfless and generous hospitality is alive and well...mixed in with humour and memorable moments...Bernie and Sue I Roger B12/08/2025Verified A wonderful and unique experience! Excellent from start to finish! A beautiful and unique property set in lovely grounds. The owners, Paul & Alan went above and beyond to make our three night stay so memorable. We have already recommended Saltcote Place to our family and friends. A wonderful experience. Anthony S31/07/2025Verified What’s not to like? …. .. in a word, nothing! We had a fantastic stay at Saltcote Place. The house is amazing, Alan and Paul are perfect hosts, breakfast was delicious, and very plentiful … the fizz much appreciated and added to the occasion and I got quite used to the nightcap before bed! Fantastic! I was a little apprehensive at the idea of breakfast together, but it was a really fun event, obviously helped by Paul and Alan’s outgoing personalities, but we were also very lucky to share the breakfast table with Mark and Debs, who were also staying and great company too.. thanks to you two too, if you happen to read this review! I would have no hesitation in recommending a stay to anyone, even anti-socials like me! Thanks very much Alan and Paul for letting us into your home, your company and the tips on places to eat and visit. Sabriam07/07/2025Verified "Who could ask for anything more" A quiet, tranquil, and relaxing stay, just what the doctor ordered (I am assuming the last bit as we couldn't get appointments before we went :) ). The massive grounds were well kept and provided some lovely views. The imposing nature of the house struck you as you drove up the front drive and approached the front gates. Inside the house you were greeted with some exquisite furniture, art, and ornamental pieces. Throughout our stay Alan and Paul, the hosts, were attentive and engaging, but not intrusive. The suite was comfortable and had all we needed, and more, with the fridge being welcome and necessary for drinks…as the weather was unusually hot for one of our holiday breaks. The breakfast was amazing. All in all, a most enjoyable stay. tosh383826/06/2025Verified The most perfect weekend away at Saltcote Place What a wonderful weekend stay at Saltcote Place. Paul and Alan couldn't have made it any more perfect. From the moment we booked, to our arrival, there was such attention to detail. Alan cooked the best breakfast, piping hot and delicious and we were very grateful for the recommendation of No 50 restaurant in Rye - so glad we managed to get a table there. Absolutely perfect. A lot of establishments could learn a lesson or two from these very experienced hosts! John T21/06/2025Verified A memorable stay What a lovely place to spend a few days. Paul and Alan were attentive hosts, preparing sumptuous breakfasts, including fizz, and leaving a nightcap outside our room each evening. How civilised! A short walk into Rye which is the quaintest little town you ever saw! Lovely countryside too. Navigator51763808/05/2025Verified Perfect! An impressive house, immaculately kept. Paul and Alan really went the extra mile to ensure everything was perfect. Breakfast was amazing, and the night cap a lovely touch. A short walk to Rye where there is lots to do, and places to eat. Thoroughly recommended. Ian S22/01/2025Verified Little Gem It was an absolute delight to spend 2 days here during a recent visit to Rye. First impressions are that this place is special and that feeling just grows throughout the stay. Not so much a hotel or B&B, you are welcomed enthusiastically into a charming and delightful family home and treated like royalty throughout; from a welcome drink to a personalised nightcap. After a comfortable sleep you wake to a freshly-made champagne breakfast, beautifully cooked and served with style and elegance. Town is only a short walk away down the hill and there is plenty of local knowledge and recommendations for (excellent) places to eat and things to do. Paul and Alan are great hosts and we chatted away like old familiar friends for several hours. Rather sad to leave and would definitely return when in the areaLoad more
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